Apparatus for selectively returning bowling balls to storage pockets



March 17, 1970 R. M ILLER ET APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RETURNING BOWLING BALLS TO STORAGE POGKETS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 16, 1963 8 m n RLMW H 0 E N TIWM R N O E .K T VLC T N T A ITTTE RSEH EERPN BNEE ORVT REES? R. L. MILLER ET AL' APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RETURNING March 17,1970

BOWLING BALLS TO STORAGE POCKETS Filed July 16, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 M/VE/VTORS. ROBERT L. MILLE ERNEST -C. WEBB, EVERETT K. MENTZER a STEPHEN '7 A/ PEPLIN ATTORNEY March 17, 1970 MILLER ETAL 3,501,145

APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RETURNING BOWLING BALLS T0 STORAGE POCKETS Filed July 16, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS. ROBERT L. MILLER, ERNEST c. WEBB, EVERETT K. MENTZER & STEPHEN c. PEPLIN Fig. 5.

March 17, 1970 R. MILLER ET AL APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RETURNING BOWLING BALLS TO STORAGE POCKETS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 16, 1965 7. ATTORNEY,

March 17, 1970 R MILLER ET AL APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RETURNING BOWLING BALLS 'TO STORAGE POCKETS Filed July 16, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 lA/ VE/V TOPS.

I NTZER a PEPLIN a wa N MW R 0 LC I "H TN A TTTE RSEH EERP a BNEE ORVT REES United States Patent Office 3,501,145 APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY RETURNING BOWLING BALLS TO STORAGE POCKETS Robert L. Miller, Olmsted Falls, Ernest C. Webb, Bay Village, Everett K. Mentzer, Struthers, and Stephen C. Peplin, North Olmsted, Ohio, assignors, by mesne assignments, to Brunswick Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Filed July 16, 1963, Ser. No. 295,433

Int. Cl. A63d 5/02 US. Cl. 273-49 Claims This invention relates to apparatus for returning balls in a bowling game to selected positions for each player in the game at the approach area of a bowling alley, and more particularly to apparatus of the type described adapted for use with automatic scoring apparatus for a bowling game.

Although not limited thereto, the present invention is praticularly adapted for use with automatic scoring and totalizing equipment for a bowling game such as that shown in US. Patent No. 3,124,355, issued Mar. 10, 1964. The scoring system described in the aforesaid application comprises means for detecting and registering pinfall after each ball in a bowling game is delivered, a master circuit connected to the detecting and registering means for totalizing the pinfall of each frame in a bowling game, a plurality of player score totalizing and storage units each adapted to receive, totalize and store electrical intelligence from the master circuit representing total frame pinfall, manually operable switch means for selectively connecting the master circuit to a selected one of the player totalizing and storage units, ball results printing means connected to the master circuit, and score printing means adapted to be connected to any one of the player totalizing and storage units when that unit is also connected to the master circuit by the switch means. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus shown in Patent No. 3,124,355 is positioned within a console adjacent the approach area of the alley, and the manually operable switch means comprses a series of pushbuttons, one for each player, located at the top of the console. The system is such that when a bowler prepares to bowl each frame, he will depress a designated pushbutton, thereby connecting the aforesaid master circuit to his particular player score totalizing and storage unit. The totalizing and storage unit contains information relative to his accumulated score, the frame in which the bowler should be bowling, and also that particular players marks (i.e., strikes and spares) which have been made but not yet scored.

Automatic scoring systems for a bowling game have been proposed which eliminate the necessity for each bowler depressing a pushbutton when he prepares to bowl. In such systems, however, each bowler in a group of bowlers, and each bowler in a team in the case of league play, must bowl in succession. That is, each bowler in the group has to bowl the third frame, for example, in succession according to a predetermined schedule. In the case of league play, if all of the players of one team complete their first frame, for example, before all of the players of the second team complete their first frame on a second alley, they have to wait before changing alleys. In other words, systems of this type do not provide for non-sequential bowling, meaning that all bowlers on a team must be present before a game can be started; and if any bowler should have to leave the alley during the game, it cannot be completed until he returns without the assistance of a skilled, or at least semi-skilled mechanic familiar with the circuitry of the scoring system.

Although the scoring system described in the aforesaid Patent No. 3,124,355 which provides push-buttons on the console to facilitate non-sequential bowling is 3,501,145 Patented Mar. 17, 1970 entirely satisfactory for its intended purpose, it requires that each bowler depress his associated pushbutton as he prepares to bowl each frame in a game. This, of course, is not an unreasonable or burdensome requirement; however it may, in some cases, be such as to discourage bowler-s from using the equipment, and there is always the possibility of a bowler forgetting to depress his bushbutton or depressing the wrong pushbutton.

Accordingly, as one object, the present invention seeks to provide an automatic scoring system for a bowling game which eliminates the above and other disadvantages.

More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide an automatic scoring system for a bowling game wherein each bowlers ball is provided with a specified storage pocket equipped with a switch device which will be actuated to connect the aforesaid master circuit to that bowlers totalizing and storage unit in the scoring circuitry when the ball is removed from that pocket and delivered on the alley. Thus, when a bowler prepares to bowl and lifts his ball out of its associated storage pocket, his totalizing and storage unit will be automatically connected to the master circuit of the scoring unit when the ball is delivered without requiring him to depress a pushbutton or the like.

In order to control the scoring circuitry from switches located on ball storage pockets it is, of course, necessary that each bowlers ball be placed in a specified storage pocket when not in use such that when that ball is removed from the pocket, the correct storage uni-t in the scoring circuitry will be activated. Accordingly, as another object, the invention provides means for directing a ball from the bowling alley return track to a specified storage pocket, the arrangement being such that when a bowler removes his ball from its associated storage pocket at the start of a frame, his ball will be returned to an assigned storage pocket at the completion of the frame. When the second ball is to be delivered in a frame, that ball will not be directed from the main storage rack into its asigned storage pocket at the end of the return track but rather will remain in the main return track. Thus, when a second ball is to be delivered in a frame, the bowler will merely lift it from the main storage rack rather than his assigned storage pocket. This arrangement, of course, necessitates means for sensing the completion of a frame in a bowling game. Such means may be incorporated into the aforesaid computer or it may comprise a, device in the pin-spotter itself which senses whether the pin-spotter is in a first ball cycle or a second ball cycle. Whenever the pin-spotter goes into a second ball cycle it is, of course, known that the frame is not completed; however whenever it goes into a first ball cycle, the frame is completed. As will be appreciated, when the pin-spotter is employed to determine the completion of a frame, the system for returning balls to specified storage pockets can be used independently of automatic scoring circuitry.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a means for preventing the confusion which occasionally occurs with a resultant delay in the game due to bowlers having difficulty in finding their particular bowling balls each time they bowl. This condition occurs when the balls on the conventional rack are out of their normal sequence due to one or more of the bowlers leaving the game temporarily, and more generally when one player achieves a strike and another player a spare. As will be seen, the feature of the invention which provides a specific location for each ball eliminates this difficulty and effects a savings in time beneficial to both the bowler and bowling alley proprietor.

Although the specific embodiment of the invention shown herein directs a ball to the same storage pocket at the completion of each frame in a game, it should be understood that the invention also contemplates directing a bowling ball to one of a plurality of storage pockets in a programmed sequence. Thus, when the system is used in league play, each ball may be directed to the same storage pocket after every frame regardless of which alley the bowler is to bowl on, or each ball may be directed alternately to pockets adjacent the proper alley on which the bowler should be bowling. In either case, removal of the ball from its proper, assigned storage pocket will connect that players totalizing and storage unit to the aforesaid master circuit of the scoring circuitry so as to eliminate the necessity of each bowlers depressing a pushbutton or the like when he prepares to bowl.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top view of a pair of adjacent bowling alleys showing the overall arrangement of the present invention for returning bowling balls to designated storage pockets at the completion of each frame in a game;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bowling alleys shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the apparatus of the invention for directing a bowling ball from the main return track to a specified storage pocket;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4 showing the solenoid actuating mechanism for the ball return mechanism;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the movable rail section employed in the apparatus of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8A is a schematic block circuit diagram of one arrangement for controlling the ball return mechanism for two adjacent bowling alleys;

FIG. 8B is an illustration of wave forms showing certain aspects of the operation of the circuit of FIG. 8A;

FIGS. 9A and 9B, when placed side-by-side, comprise a detailed block schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus for controlling the ball return mechanism when used in combination with automatic scoring equipment for a bowling game; and

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of an arrangement for inhibiting possible misfunctioning of the circuitry of FIGS. 9A and 9B due to removal of balls from their storage pockets at the wrong times.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of adjacent bowling alleys L and R are each provided with a pin deck 10 at the forward end of the alley and a foul line 12 at the opposite end. Ahead of the foul line 12 of each alley is an approach area 14; while behind the pin deck 10 is a pit, generally indicated at 16. At the back of each pit 16 is a backstop 18 which is struck by each bowling ball delivered down the alley.

On either side of each alley L and R are gutters 20, and between the alleys L and R is a main ball return track 22 which terminates between the approach areas 14 in a ball return rack arrangement, generally indicated at 24. As shown, the main ball return track 22 is connected to two branches 26 and 28 adjacent the pit areas 16. In the usual case, automatic pin-spotting machines will be employed to set the pins on the pin decks 10. In accordance with usual practice, these automatic pinspotting machines are such as to deposit balls in the branches 26 and 28 from whence they are both fed to the common ball return track 22 and thence to the ball return rack arrangement 24.

In the area between the approach areas 14 and behind the ball rack arrangement 24 is a console 30 which houses automatic scoring, totalizing and printing apparatus such as that shown in copending application Ser. No. 175,865, filed Feb. 9, 1962 and assigned to the assignee of the present application. Actually, the console 30 houses two automatic scoring, totalizing and printing units, one for each of the alleys L and R. The automatic scoring equipment within the console 30, hereinafter described in greater detail, is such that as each bowler delivers balls in a frame, the ball results of each ball will be printed on a score sheet and the frame score added to his previous total score at the completion of the frame in the circuitry within console 30. In addition, upon completion of a frame, his instantaneous score will be printed in his frame box or space corresponding to the frame being played if no marks have been made in that frame. If marks have been made in the frame being played, then the score is not printed on the score sheet at that time but stored preparatory to printing after the next or successive frame in accordance with the rules of the American Bowling Congress.

In the usual case, a projector, not shown, will be provided in combination with the console 30 for the purpose of projecting the images of the score sheets onto screens, not shown, above the alleys L and R. One type of projector which may be used for this purpose is shown, for example, in copending application Ser. No. 200,555, filed June 6, 1962, now Patent No. 3,257,898, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

With reference now to the ball storage arrangement 24, it comprises a base 32 which supports a pair of rails 34 and 36 along which balls may roll to a second ball storage area 38 (FIG. 2). On either side of the rails 34 and 36 are cup-shaped ball storage pockets 40 (FIG. 2) adapted to receive balls 42 from the rails 34 and 36. As will hereinafter be seen, the arrangement is such that the balls 42 on one side of the rails 34 and 36 are provided for one team in league play, whereas the balls on the other side of the rails 34 and 36 are provided for the other team. Furthermore, means, hereinafter described in detail, are provided for returning each players ball to the particular storage pocket 40 from which it was removed at the completion of a frame. If a ball is removed from a storage pocket 40, delivered down on alley L or R, and ten pins are not knocked down with that first ball, then a second ball must be delivered in that frame in accordance with the rules of the American Bowling Congress. Accordingly, the system is such that when a second ball is to be delivered, the ball is returned to the second ball storage area 38 rather than to a storage pocket 40. When, however, the frame is completed, each ball is returned to its assigned storage pocket ready to be picked up by the bowler in the next frame.

Supported on the base 32 are a plurality of castings 44 (FIGS. 3-5) each of which comprises a lower, inverted T-shaped section 46 having six blocks integrally cast to its upper extremity. Three of the blocks 48 are slanted in one direction as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4; whereas the other three blocks 50 are slanted in the opposite direction. Extending through the casting 44 is a shaft 52 which extends across two spaced slots 54 and 56 (FIG. 3) provided along the length of the T-shaped section 46. Pivotally supported on the shaft 52, on either side thereof, are ball storage pockets 58 and 60 (FIG. 4). The ball storage pocket 58, for example, is supported on a pair of L-shaped arms 62 and 64 each of which is pivotally connected to the shaft 52. Encircling the shaft 52 is a coil spring 66 having one end secured to the casting 44 as at 68 and its other end passed through an opening 70 in the L-shaped arm 64. With this arrangement, the spring 66 will normally urge the ball storage pockets upwardly into the position shown by the pocket 60 in FIG. 4. When, however, a ball 42 is deposited in the pocket, its

weight will overcome the force of the spring 66, thereby forcing it downwardly into the position shown by the ball storage pocket 58 in FIG. 4.

The storage pocket 60, like storage pocket 58, has a pair of L-shaped arms 72 and 74 (FIG. 3) which are pivotally supported on the shaft 52 in interleaving relationship with respect to the arms 62 and 64 for the storage pocket 58. A second coil spring 76 (FIG. 3) serves the same purpose as coil spring 66 for the storage pocket 58 in that it urges pocket 60 upwardly into the position shown in FIG. 4.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the rails 34 and 36 are divided into a plurality of spaced, stationary short sections 78 which are supported on the base 32 by means, not shown. Between the spaced sections 78 are the castings 44 which carry, in blocks 48 and 50, reciprocable rail sections 80 and 82. As shown in FIG. 7, each rail section 80 or 82 comprises an upper bar 84 of the same diameter as the stationary short rail sections 78. Depending downwardly from the bar 84 are three shafts 86, 88 and 90 adapted to slide, for example, in bores 92 (FIG. 3) provided in the blocks 48. A similar arrangement of bores is provided in blocks 50 for the rail section 82, one of said bores 92 being shown in FIG. 4.

It will be noted that the two end shafts 86 and 90 are of constant diameter throughout; whereas the shaft 88 has a lower, reduced diameter portion 94. This shaft is shown for the rail section 82 in FIG. 4 and it will be noted that it is encircled by a coil spring 96 between a shoulder 98 on the shaft 88 and the bottom of the bore 92 into which the shaft is inserted. At the lower end of each shaft is a cap 99 which prevents it from being removed from the bore 92.

With the arrangement shown, it will be appreciated that the spring 96 will normally urge the rail assembly 80 or 82 upwardly into a position where it is in alignment with the short, stationary rail sections 78, thereby providing a completed set of rails 34 and 36 for the balls to roll into the second ball storage area 38. Spring 96, however, is such that when the rail section 80 or 82 is not held in its uppermost position, the weight of the ball will force it downwardly, whereupon the ball will roll into an associated one of the storage pockets 58 or 60, thereby causing the storage pocket to rotate from the position of pocket 60 shown in FIG. 4 to the position of pocket 58.

In order to hold the rail sections 80 and 82 in their uppermost positions, the solenoid arrangement, best shown in FIG. 6, is provided. In the center shaft 88 of rail section 82, for example, is a bore 100 adapted to receive a pin 102. The pin 102 is carried in a bore 104 in the center blocks 50 and is adapted to reciprocate from a position where its forward end is in the bore 100 to a position where it is out of the bore 100, thereby permitting the rail section 82 to move downwardly under the weight of a ball. In order to move the pin 102 out of the bore 100, a solenoid 106 is provided together with a lever 108. As shown, the lever 108 is pivotally connected to the end block 50 as at 100 and is also connected, through slotted connections, to the actuating plunger of solenoid 106 and the outer end of pin 102 as at 112 and 114, respectively. When the solenoid 106 is not energizedy a coil spring 116 will force the pin 102 into the bore 100 in shaft 88; the position of bore 100 being such that the bar 84 is aligned with the stationary short rail sections 78 when the pin 102 is inserted therein. Thus, assuming that the solenoid 106 is not energized, the top bar 84 of the rail section 80 will be held in alignment with the short sections 78, thereby permitting the ball to roll to the second ball storage area 38. When, however, the solenoid 106 is energized and the pin 102 withdrawn from the bore 100, the rail section 82 will move downwardly to permit the ball to roll into the storage pocket 60 As will be understood, the operation of the rail section is identical to that of rail section 82. Sets of rail sections 80 and 82 are spaced along five positions of the tracks 34 and 36 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and each rail section operates in the same manner. As best shown in FIG. 4, each ball storage pocket 58 or 60 is provided with a plurality of ball bearings 118 or the like whereby the ball may be rotated within its associated pocket to a position where the finger holes are at the top of the ball.

If necessary, a positive stop can be provided for each set of ball storage pockets and arranged to move into the path of the ball whenever one of the solenoids 106 for'either rail section 80 or 82 is actuated. Such a positive stop may, for example, be necessary for balls traveling, along the storage rack at high speed.

With reference, again, to FIG. 5, each of the ball storage pockets 58 and 60 is provided with a limit switch 120. As will hereinafter be explained, the limit switch 120 is of the normally-open type, but will be closed when the arm 64 moves downwardly into the position shown in FIG. 5 with a ball in the storage pocket. Thus, under normal circumstances, the limit switches 120 for each of the ball storage pockets will be open due to the fact that balls are deposited in the storage pockets. When, however, a ball is removed from its associated storage pocket, the limit switch 120 associated with that pocket will be closed. The limit switches 120 are employed in circuitry, hereinafter described, in combination with other limit switches for the alleys L and R shown in FIG. 1. Thus, switches 122 and 124 are provided adjacent the backstops 18 for alleys L and R, respectively, and are actuated whenever a ball delivered on the alley L or R strikes its associated backstop. A second pair of switches 126 and 128 are provided on the short branches 26 and 28 leading to the main ball return track 22 and are actuated whenever a ball is deposited in the branch 26 or 28, respectively. Finally, a switch 130 is provided at the forward end of the return track 22 and is actuated whenever a ball enters the storage rack area at 24.

As was mentioned above, one of the objects of the invention is to return a ball to its associated storage pocket at the completion of a frame in a game. Circuitry in its simplest form for accomplishing this function is shown in FIG. 8A. It is controlled by the switches 126, 128 and 130 as well as the automatic pin-spotters for the alleys L and R identified as P-L and P-R. As is known, automatic bowling alley pin-spotters such as P-L and P-R operate in accordance with either a first ball or a second ball cycle. In the first ball cycle, the pinspotter frame is initially lowered and is provided with gripper arms or the like which grip the pins remaining after the first ball delivery, whereupon the pin-spotter frame is elevated to raise the standing pins to permit the sweep arm of the assembly to remove the dead wood from the alley (i.e., push the fallen pins back into the bowling alley pit 16 where they are picked up by the pin-spotter preparatory to a succeeding pin-spotting operation). Thereafter, the pin-spotter frame is lowered and the gripper arms or the like released to reset the pins left standing after the first ball. If a strike is made with the first ball of a frame, this condition is sensed by failure of the gripper arms to grasp any pins, whereupon the second ball cycle for that frame is eliminated and the pin-spotter resets all ten pins preparatory to the succeeding frame.

The first ball cycle outlined above is usually initiated by the switch 122 or 124 which closes when the first ball of a bowling game frame strikes the alley backstop 18. Likewise, the second ball cycle is initiated by closure of thissame switch 122 or 124 when the second ball of a frame strikes the backstop, assuming that a strike has not been made with the first ball. In the second ball cycle, the pin-spotter frame is not lowered to pick up any standing pins as in the first ball cycle. Rather, the sweep arm removes all pins, including those standing as well as any fallen pins. Finally, the pin-spotter frame, loaded with tenpins, is lowered to set all pins preparatory to the succeeding frame.

In the first ball cycle, the pin-spotter control circuitry is conditioned for a second ball cycle, assuming that a strike has not been made. Similarly, after the second ball cycle is completed, the control circuit is conditioned for the first ball cycle of the next frame. Thus, the first and second ball cycles of the pin-spotter follow in succession in accordance with a predetermined sequence. Furthermore, when the pin-spotter goes into a second ball cycle, a cam switch, schematically indicated at 132 and 134 in FIG. 8A closes, the details of this cam switch being shown in US. Patent No. 3,189,349, issued June 15, 1965, and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

In the particular system shown herein, provision is made for five bowlers on each team; however this can be increased or decreased, depending upon requirements. The switches 120 for the storage pockets adjacent the left alley L, for example, are identified by the numerals 120L-1, 120L-2, and so on in FIG. 8A. Each limit switch is shown in its closed position (i.e., with the balls removed from the storage pockets 58). However, when all balls are in their storage pockets, the limit switches will, of course, be open. The solenoids 106- for the team assigned to alley L are identified in FIG. 8A as 106L-1, 10611-2, and so on. It will be readily appreciated from the circuit of FIG. 8A that none of the solenoids 106L-1 to 106L-5 can be energized to release a track section 80, for example, until its associated limit switch 120L-1 to 120L-5 is closed, meaning that a ball is removed from the storage pocket associated with that limit switch and solenoid.

In a somewhat similar manner, the limit switches for the storage pockets on right alley R are identified by the numerals 120R1 to 120R-5 in FIG. 8A; while the solenoids for the storage pockets are identified by the numerals 106R-1 to 106R-5.

The return of a ball to its proper storage pocket at the completion of a frame is controlled by logic circuitry shown in FIG. 8A. Such circuitry includes a pair of flipfiop circuits 136L and 136R. As is known, a flip-flop circuit is essentially a multivibrator possessing two conditions of stable equilibrium. The circuit remains in one or the other of these two conditions until some action occurs which causes the conditions to reverse. The signals used for actuating the logic circuitry shown in FIG. 8A can be identified as ON and OFF signals. An ON signal may, for example, comprise a positive voltage; whereas an OFF signal may comprise a negative voltage. The multivibrator 136L, for example, has two input terminals 138 and 140 and two output terminals 142 and 144. When an ON signal is applied to input terminal 138, an ON signal will appear at output terminal 144 while an OFF signal will appear at output terminal 142. Similarly, when an ON signal appears at input terminal 140, an ON signal will appear at output terminal 142 while an OFF signal appears at output terminal 144.

Let us assume that a ball is deposited in the branch 26 as shown in FIG. 1, thereby actuating or closing the switch 126 to apply an ON signal to input terminal 138 of flip-flop 136L. This causes an ON signal to appear at output terminal 144 which is applied through lead 146 to an AND circuit 148L. The AND circuit 148L, well known in logic circuitry, is one which will produce an ON signal at its output whenever ON signals appear at all of its inputs. When, however, ON signals do not ap pear at all of the inputs to the AND circuit, the output of the AND circuit will be an OFF signal.

Also connected to the input of the AND circuit 148L is an inverter 150L which, in turn, is connected to the output of AND circuit 148R. Assuming that the two inputs to AND circuit 148R are not ON, the output of the AND circuit 148R will be OFF. When this OFF sig- 8 nal is inverted in inverter L, and ON signal will be applied through lead 154 to AND circuit 148L.

In a somewhat similar manner, when the switch 128 closes as a ball is deposited in branch 28 shown in FIG. 1, an ON signal will be applied through lead 156 to the flip-flop 136R, thereby producing an ON signal on lead 158 which is applied to the AND circuit 148R, The output of AND circuit 148R, however, will be OFF until ON signals are present on both leads 158 and 160 connected to the input of the AND circuit 148R. Lead 160 is connected through inverter 150R to the output of AND circuit 148L. With the arrangement shown, it can be seen that whenever an ON output is produced by one of the AND circuits 148L or 148R, the output of the other AND circuit must be OFF. That is, assuming that an ON signal is produced at the output of AND circuit 148L, this ON signal will be inverted in inverter 150R to apply an OFF signal to lead 160, thereby disabling the AND circuit 148R. Similarly, if an ON signal is produced at the output of AND circuit 148R, this ON signal will be inverted in inverter 150L and applied through lead 154 to the input of AND circuit 148L, thereby preventing it from producing an output ON signal.

Whenever switch 126 or 128 is closed, therefore, its associated AND circuit 148L or 148R will produce an output ON signal unless the other AND circuit 148L or 148R has already produced an output ON signal. This, of course, will depend upon which one of the switches 126 or 128 was actuated first.

Let us assume, for example, that a ball is deposited in the branch 26 to actuate the switch 126 and that AND circuit 148R is conditioned to produce at its output an OFF signal. Under these circumstances, two ON signals will be fed to the AND circuit 148L to produce an ON signal at its output, Let us assume further that immediately after the switch 126 is closed, a ball is depostied in the branch 28 to close switch 128, thereby producing an ON signal on lead 158. By virtue of the fact that an OFF signal is now on lead 160, however, the AND circuit 148R will still produce an OFF signal at its output. Flip-flop 136R, however, will remain in its stable state wherein an ON signal is on lead 158. With the condition assumed, the ball from alley L will roll down the return track 22 first, followed by the ball from alley R. When the first ball from alley L reaches the switch 130, it will close, thereby producing an ON signal which is fed to pulse generator 164. The output of pulse generator 164 is fed directly to the inputs of AND circuits 174L and 174R, and through differentiator and pulse forming circuits 165L and 165R to AND circuits 166L and 166R, respectively.

The operation of circuits 164, 165L and 165R can best be understood by reference to FIG. 8B. The wave form A represents a pulse 167 produced when the switch 130 closes. This pulse is applied to the input of pulse generator 164 which produces wave form B comprising a pulse 169 of relatively long length. As will be seen, this pulse persists for a time suflicient to permit a ball to travel from switch 130 to the last ball storage pocket (i.e., that closest to the second ball storage area 38, FIG. 1). This pulse is applied directly to the inputs of AND circuits 174L and 174R and also to the inputs of circuits 165L and 165R which produce short pulses 171 (wave form C in FIG. SE) at the trailing edge of pulse 169. These pulses are applied to AND circuits 166L and 166R.

Also applied to AND circuit 166R through lead 170 is the output of AND circuit 148R which is now OFF so that the output of AND circuit 166R remains OFF and the fiip-flop136R remains in its previously-established stable state with an O'N signal on lead 158.

In the case of AND circuit 166L, however, an ON signal is applied thereto through lead 172; and since an ON signal (pulse 171) is also applied to the AND circuit 166L from circuit 165L, an ON signal is produced at the output of AND circuit 166L to reverse the stable states of conduction of the multivibrator 136L, but only after the pulse 169 applied to AND circuit 174L terminates and the ball is in its assigned storage pocket. When this occurs, an OFF signal appears on lead 146 to thereby cause an OFF signal to appear at the output of AND circuit 148L. This changes the signal on lead 160 from an OFF signal to an ON signal, whereby AND circuit 148R will produce an output ON signal.

The output of AND circuit 148L is applied to the AND circuit 174L along with a signal on lead 176 which is ON when a frame has been completed and the switch 132 of pin-spotter P-L is closed. Also applied to the AND circuit 174L is a signal on lead 118 which comprises pulse 169 in FIG. 8B. This signal will be ON only when the limit switch 130 adjacent the ball rack 24 is actuated. In a similar manner, the output of AND circuit 148R is applied to AND circuit 174R along with a signal on lead 182 from pin-spotter P-R which is ONat the completion of a frame by closure of switch 134, and a signal (pulse 169) on lead 178 which is ON when the limit switch 130 is actuated.

Whenever all three inputs to AND circuit 174L are ON, an ON input signal is produced at its output which energizes an amplifier circuit 187L. The resulting pulse, which has a time duration at least equal to the time required for a ball to travel from limit switch 130 to the last storage pocket (i.e., the time duration of pulse 169), is applied to one of the solenoids 106L-1 to 106L-5 through one of the switches 120L-1 to 120L-5 which is closed, this closed switch being for the ball storage pocket from which a ball has been removed. Similarly, when all of the signals on the input leads to AND circuit 174R are ON, an ON signal will appear at its output to actuate amplifier circuit 187R, thereby energizing an associated one of the solenoids 106R-1 to 106R-5 through a closed one of the switches 120R-1 to 120R-5, the closed switch being that one for the ball storage pocket from which a ball has been removed.

The operation is such that a ball will always be returned to the same storage pocket from which it was removed, assuming that the bowlers do not interchange alleys. That is, assuming that league play is not employed. Let us assume, that a player on alley L has delivered a ball and that the ball has been deposited in branch 26, thereby actuating the switch 126. Under these conditions, and assuming that a ball has not been delivered on alley R prior to the last actuation of switch 130, the AND circuit 148L will produce an output ON signal. Assuming, further, that immediately after the ball from alley L was deposited in branch 26, the ball from alley R is deposited in branch 28, switch 128 will be actuated after switch 126;

however the AND circuit 148R cannot produce an output ON signal by virtue of the fact that an OFF signal is now on lead 160. The fact that switch 128 was actuated, however, is stored in the flip-flop 136R. When the ball from alley L reaches the switch 130, an ON signal (pulse 169 in FIG. 8B) will be immediately produced on lead 118. Assuming that a second ball is required to be delivered in the frame, switch 132 will not be closed and an OFF signal will be on lead 176 with the result that an OFF signal will appear at the output of circuit 174L and none of the solenoids 106L-1 to 106L-5 will be energized. Under these conditions, the ball will roll to the second ball storage area 38.

After the switch 130 is actuated by the ball from alley L, and after the period of pulse 169 has expired, an ON signal will appear at the output of AND circuit 148R by virtue of the fact that an 0N signal is now on lead 160. Let us assume that a strike was made with the first ball on alley R, thereby closing switch 134 to produce an ON signal on lead 182. When an ON signal appears on lead 178 by virtue of closure of switch 130 by the ball from alley R, therefore, that solenoid 106R-1 to 106R-5 which is associated with the storage pocket from which the ball was removed will be energized to permit the ball to drop down into that storage pocket, whereupon the circuit to the solenoid is broken, and as the track section or 82 springs upwardly, the pin 102 will be forced into the bore to lock it in place.

This same action will repeat for each ball delivered in the game with the ball being returned to storage area 38 when a second ball is to be delivered in a frame and to the storage pockets 40 when the frame is completed. The foregoing sequence of operation assumes that one ball from alley L for example, will follow another from alley R on return track 22 by a suificient distance to permit the first ball to drop into its storage pocket before the following ball enters the area of the storage rack arrangement 24. This can be accomplished by electrical controls on the pin-spotters which are such as to delay the one for a short period of time when the switches 122 and 124 are actuated simultaneously or one shortly after the other.

As was mentioned above, the circuit shown in FIG. 8A is suitable for use only when the bowlers on a team do not switch alleys as in league play. Circuitry for returning a ball to its correct storage pocket during league play when bowlers switch alleys and also for actuating automatic scoring equipment when a ball is removed from its associated storage pocket is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In the circuit of FIGS. 9A and 9B, elements which correspond to those shown in FIG. 8A are identified by like reference numerals. In this case it will be noted that the output of AND circuit 174L, for example, is applied to the inputs of two AND circuits 238L and 240R. Similarly, the output of AND circuit 174R is applied to the inputs of two AND circuits 238R and 240L. Further more, the lead 176 at the input to AND circuit 174L may be connected through switch 198 to the pin-spotter P-R or may may be connected to a left master circuit 200L which produces an output signal on lead 202 when the second ball in a frame is to be delivered. Similarly, lead 182 may be connected through the switch 199 to the pinspotter P-R or through lead 204 to the right master circuit 200R.

The master circuits 200L and 200R are each part of automatic detecting, registering and scoring equipment of the type shown, for example, in US. Patent No. 3,124,- 355. Simplified block schematic circuit diagrams of the scoring equipment for each alley are shown in FIG. 9A. That for the right alley includes a right standing pin detector 206R adapted to produce a number of pulses equal to the number of standing pins. These pulses are fed to the master circuit 200R which converts the standing pin count to fallen pin count and is also adapted to produce a signal on the lead 204, indicative of the fact that a second ball is to be delivered in a frame. The master circuit 200R is connected to a right storage and print circuit 211R (enclosed by broken lines) which includes a plurality of player relays 212R, 214R and 216R. Although only three player relays are shown herein, it will be appreciated that the number may be extended, depending upon the number of bowlers who are to bowl on a team. Each player relay 212R-216R is, in turn, connected to a player storage unit 218R, 220R and 222R, respectively. Only one of the player relays 212R-216R will be actuated at any one time by removal of a ball from its associated storage pocket and consequent actuation of one of the switches R-1 to 120R-5 (FIG. 9B). When player relay 212R, for example, is energized by closure of switch 120R-1, it is adapted to connect the master circuit 200R through switch 224R to player storage unit 218R. Stored in the player storage unit 218R are the total accumulated score of the player assigned to that storage unit, the frame in which he should be bowling, and also achieved but unscored marks made by that player. The player storage unit 218R is also adapted to be connected through the player relay 212R to a right printer 1 1 226R. The elements 212R-226R comprise the right storage and print unit 211R, enclosed by broken lines.

The right player relays 212R to 216R for player 1, 2 and 5 are connected through a cable 213R to the switches 120R 1, 120R-2 and 120R-5 (FIG. 9B) associated with the storage pockets for the right alley R. The arrangement is such that when a bowler from the right team lifts his ball out of its storage pocket and his switch 120R- 1, 120R-2, etc. is closed, his player relay 212R-216R will also be adapted to automatically connect his proper storage unit 218R to 222R to the printer 226R and to the proper master circuit 200R or 200L, depending upon which alley is being used. However, as will be seen, the switch 224R or 228L will not be closed to connect the storage and print unit 211R to the proper master circuit until the .ball for the last bowler to bowl is in its storage pocket, thereby insuring that only one player will be connected to the scoring circuitry at any one time.

Similarly, the switches 120L-1 to 120L5 for the left alley are connected through cable 212L to the player relays, not shown, in the left storage and print unit 211L. It can thus be seen that whenever a player picks up his ball, his storage unit, and only his unit, will be automatically connected to the scoring circuitry, assuming that the previous players ball has been returned to its storage pocket. This, of course, obviates the necessity for each bowler depressing a particular pushbutton when he prepares to bowl a game.

The scoring circuitry for the left alley L is identical to that for the right alley, the elements in the left scoring circuitry being identified by the same numerals as those for the irght alley with the exception that the R in each numeral is replaced by an L. When a bowler whose ball is stored in the storage pockets for alley L is bowling on alley L, the switch 224L must be closed to connect the left master circuit 200L to its associated player relays in unit 211L. Similarly, when a bowler whose ball is stored in the storage pockets adjacent alley R is bowling in alley R, the switch 224R must be closed. When, however, a bowler from alley L bowls on alley R as in league play, the switch 224L must be open and switch 228R closed so that the pinfall count from the right detector 206R is fed to that players storage unit in the left storage and print unit 211L. Similarly, when a bowler from alley R is bowling on alley L in league play, the switch 224R must be open and switch 228L closed so that the left pinfall detector 206L is connected to that players storage circuit in the right storage and print unit 211R.

As shown, the switches 224L and 228R are controlled by a left computer-selector circuit 232L. In a somewhat similar manner, the switches 224R and 228L are con trolled by a right computer-selector 232R shown in detail in FIG. 9B.

Considering, first, the right computer-selector 232R, it is adapted to produce an output signal on either lead 234R or 236R. When a signal is produced on lead 234R, it means that the right master circuit 200R should be connected through switch 224R to the right storage and print unit 211R. Under these circumstances, a bowler from alley R is bowling on alley R. On the other hand, when a signal appears on the lead 236R it means that switch 228L is closed and the left master circuit 200L is connected to the right storage and print unit 211R. Under these circumstances, a bowler from the right alley R is bowling on the left alley L.

In a similar manner, the left computer-selector circuit 232L has two output leads 234L and 236L. When lead 234L is energized, the switch 224L is closed, meaning that a bowler from alley L is bowling on alley L. When, however, lead 236L is energized, the switch 228R is closed, meaning that a bowler from the left alley L is bowling on the right alley R. The leads 234R and 236R are also connected to the inputs of AND circuits 238R and 240R, respectively. Similarly, the leads 234L and 12 236L are connected to the inputs of AND circuits 238L and 240L, respectively. The outputs of AND circuits 238L and 240L are connected through leads 242L and 244L, respectively, to the left computer-selector 232L. In a similar manner, the outputs of AND circuits 238R and 240R are connected through leads 242R and 244R to the right computer-selector 232R shown in FIG. 9B. Also connected to the inputs of AND circuits 240R and 238L is the output of AND circuit 174L on lead 186. Similarly, the output of AND circuit 174R on lead 188 is connected to the inputs of AND circuits 238R and 240L.

It will be remembered that an ON signal will appear on lead 186 only when a ball from the left alley L has passed over switch 130; whereas an output ON signal will appear on lead 188 only when a ball from the right alley R has passed over the switch 130. Since, in the case of league play, bowlers from alley L will bowl alternately on alley R and alley L some means must be provided for determining from which storage pocket the ball originated. The AND circuits 238L, 240L, and 238R, 240R are used for this purpose.

Let us assume that a ball delivered down alley L belongs to a bowler from alley L. Under these circumstances, the lead 234L will have an ON signal thereon in a manner hereinafter described, and the lead 186 will also have an ON signal thereon such that the AND circuit 238L produces an ON signal which is applied through lead 242L back to the left computer-selector 232L. If, on the other hand, a bowler from the left alley L is bowling on the right alley R, an ON signal will be produced on leads 236L and 188, thereby producing an output ON signal from AND circuit 240L on lead 244L. It can thus be seen that in the case of players from alley L, for example, an ON signal will appear on lead 242L when a ball is delivered on alley L and on lead 244L when a ball is delivered on alley R. A similar situation exists for the right alley R. That is, when a bowler from alley R is bowling on alley R, an ON signal will be produced on lead 242R; whereas when the reverse is true an ON signal will be produced on lead 244R.

The manner in which signals are produced on leads 234R and 236R will now be explained. The computerselector circuit 232R (FIG. 9B) includes a separate circuit associated with each of the player switches R-1 to 120R-5. Since each of the player circuits is identical in construction, only that associated with player switch 120R-1 will be described in detail. It includes four AND circuits 241, 243, 245 and 247. Each of the player circuits also includes a lane flip-flop 248, which determines the lane in which a bowler should be bowling, and an active flip-flop 250 which produces an output ON signal when the bowler associated with that circuit is bowling.

Considering, first, the lane fiip-flop 248, its input is connected through AND circuit 249, lead 251 and pulse generator 253 to the switch 120R-1, the arrangement being such that whenever a ball is deposited in the storage pocket associated with switch 120R1, a pulse will appear on the lead 251 to switch the stable states of flip-flop 248. As will be seen, this occurs upon successive removals of the ball from its storage pocket, thereby switching back and forth between alleys. The AND circuit 249, however, will produce an output ON signal to switch the stable states of flip-flop 248 only when an ON signal is present on lead 260. As will hereinafter be seen, an ON signal is present on lead 260 when, and only when, the ball associated with switch 120R-1 has been removed from its associated pocket, is delivered down the alley and strikes the backstop 18 to close switch 122 or 124.

Let us assume that bowler from the right lane should be bowling in that right lane. Under these circumstances, the lead 262 at the output of flip-flop 248 will be energized. Lead 262, in turn, is connected to the input of AND circuit 243. Assuming that the ball has been removed from the storage pocket associated with switch 120R-1, an ON signal will also be. applied to AND circuit 243 through lead 264, thereby causing the AND circuit 243 to produce an output ON signal which energizes a lamp 266 indicating that the bowler should be bowling in the right lane. At the same time, the output ON signal from AND circuit 243 is applied through lead 267 to an OR circuit 268 which will produce an output ON signal on lead 234R whenever an ON signal is on any of its input leads. Therefore, with an ON signal on lead 267, an ON signal will also be present on lead 234R to actuate switch 224R (FIG. 9A) and connect the right master circuit 200R to the right storage and print unit 211R. This, then, is the manner in which a signal is produced on lead 234R indicating that the bowler from the right alley R is bowling on alley R.

When the ball associated with switch 120R-1 is deposited in its storage pocket, the stable states of flip-flop 248 will be reversed, thereby producing an output ON signal on lead 272. Lead 272 is connected to the input of AND circuit 241 together with an ON signal on lead 264 when the ball is removed from the storage pocket associated with switch 120R-1. Consequently, an ON signal will appear at the output of AND circuit 241 to energize the lamp 274 which indicates that the bowler should now be bowling in the left lane L. At the same time, the output of AND circuit 241 is connected through lead 276 to the OR circuit 278. Consequently, an ON signal will now be produced on lead 236R indicating that a bowler from the right alley R is now bowling in the left alley L, the result being that the left master circuit 200L is now connected through switch 228L to the right storage and print unit 211R.

The circuits associated with the other switches 120R-2 to 120R-5 are also connected to the OR circuits 268 and 278; and since the lane flip-flops 248 reverse states each time a switch 120R-1 to 120R5 is actuated, the lamp 266 or 274 associated with that switch will be actuated to notify the bowler of the lane in which he should be bowling. At the same time the lead 234R or 236R will have an ON signal thereon to connect the players storage unit to the proper master circuit 200L or 200R. As will be appreciated, the left computer-selector 232L operates in the same manner.

It now remains to be explained how the solenoids 106R-1 to 106R-5, for example, are actuated with the circuitry of FIG. 9B. It will be noted that the lead 242R, which has an ON signal thereon when a bowler from the right lane delivers a ball in the right lane, is connected to the inputs of AND circuits 279 in each of the player circuits. In a somewhat similar manner an ON signal on lead 244R, indicating that the bowler from alley R is bowling on alley L, is applied to AND circuits 281. Also applied to the inputs of AND circuits 279 are the outputs of AND circuits 280. Applied to AND circuits 280 are the signals on leads 262 from flip-flops 248, the signal on each of these leads being ON when the bowler on the right team associated with that particular flip-flop should be bowling in the right lane. In a similar manner, an ON signal will be applied to the input of AND circuits 282 when the right team bowler should be bowling in the left lane, the outputs of these circuits 282 being applied to the inputs of AND circuits 281. In order for either of the AND circuits 280 or 282 to produce an output ON signal, a second input lead to each AND circuit, namely lead 284, must have an ON signal thereon. This ON signal is produced by an active flip-flop 250 when the player switch 120R-1 to 120R5 associated with that flip-flop is actuated and after the ball for that switch has struck the backstop 18 to close switch 122 or 124.

The outputs of each of the AND circuits 282 are applied to an OR circuit 285; and, similarly, the outputs of the AND circuits 280 are applied to a second OR circuit 287. Thus, whenever any one of the AND circuits 282 produces an ON input signal indicating that a bowler has removed his ball from its storage pocket and delivered it on the left alley such that it strikes the backstop 18, the

OR circuit 285 will also produce an output ON signal. This signal is inverted in inverter 289 and applied through lead 291 to the inputs of each of the AND circuits 247, thereby disabling these circuits (i.e., preventing them from producing output ON signals). As will be seen, this prevents the possibility of two solenoids 106R-1 to 106R-5 being energized in the event that the second bowler scheduled to bowl on the left alley removes his ball from its pocket before the previous bowler has completed a frame. This situation will usually occur, for example, when one bowler has completed a frame on the left lane and the next bowler on the left lane picks up his ball prior to the time that the first bowlers ball'is deposited in its storage pocket.

Similarly, an output ON signal from OR circuit 287 indicating that a bowler from the right lane is bowling in the right lane will be inverted in inverter 293' and applied to the inputs of AND circuits 245 to disable them. This prevents energization of the solenoids 10'6R-1 to 106R-5 for any other bowler from the right team scheduled to bowl on the right lane until the previous bowlers ball is deposited in its storage pocket.-

It should be noted, however, that the foregoing arrangement does not prevent simultaneous bowling by two bowlers from the same team on ditferent alleys. That is, the AND circuit 245 is for the right alley and AND circuit 247 is for the left alley. These AND circuits are disa'bled only when the balls of two bowlers scheduled to bowl on the same alley are removed simultaneously.

Let us assume that the ball is removed from the storage pocket associated with switch R1. Under these circumstances, an ON signal on lead 264 will be applied to the two AND circuits 288 and 290. Also connected to the input of AND circuit 288 is the output of AND circu t 245. Similarly, the output of AND circuit 247 is applied to AND circuit 290. The AND circuit 245 will produce an output ON signal when the 'bowler should be bowling in the right lane, indicated by an ON signal on lead 262; when a ball is detected in the right lane by closure of switch 124, thereby producing an ON signal on lead 292; and when no other bowler from the right team is already bowling on the right alley. Similarly, the AND circuit 247 will produce an output ON signal when the bowler from the right team should be bowling in the left alley; when an ON signal is on lead 272 together with an ON signal on lead 294 produced 'by closure of the left switch 122; and when no other bowler from the right team is already bowling on the left alley. Thus, AND circuit 288 will produce an output ON signal when a ball from ,the right lane is delivered on the right lane; whereas AND circuit 290 will produce an output ON signal when a ball from the right lane is delivered on the left lane. In either case, the output of AND circuit 288 or 290 will actuate the flip-flop 250 to produce an output ON signal on lead 284. The active flip-flop 250 is reset by means of an AND circuit 296 which produces an output ON signal when an ON signal is on lead 284 and when a ball is again deposited in its associated storage pocket to produce an ON signal on lead 251.

Thus, AND circuit 280 will produce an output ON signal when a ball from the right lane is delivered down the right alley and strikes the backstop; whereas AND circuit 282 will produce an ON signal when a ball from the right lane is delivered down the left alley and strikes the backstop. In either case, the outputs of AND circuits 280 and 282 are applied to the inputs of AND circuits 279 and 281, respectively. AND circuit 279 will not produce an output ON signal, however, until the frame is completed on the right alley when an ON signal appears on lead 242R. Similarly, AND circuit 281 will not produce an output ON signal until the frame is completed on the left alley as indicated by an ON signal on lead 244R.

The outputs of AND circuits 281 and 279 are applied to an OR circuit 297 which, through amplifier 299, ac-

15 tuates the appropriate solenoid 106R-1 to 106R-5. Thus, a ball will always be returned to its proper storage pocket regardless of which alley it is delivered on. The left computer-selector 232L as shown in FIG. 9A operates in the same manner as the right unit just described.

If league play is not employed with the circuit of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the switch 298 (FIG. 9B) may be opened such that the lane flip-flops 248 will always produce an ON signal on lead 262 to insure that the right scoring circuitry is always connected to the right pinfall detector and master circuit.

With the system shown herein, it is, of course, necessary that a ball be placed in each of the storage pockets at the beginning of a game to insure that only one of the switches 120R-1 to 120R-5, for example, is closed at any one time. When less than five bolwers are bowling on an alley, switches, not shown herein, may be employed to disconnect appropriate ones of the switches 120R-1 to 120R-5 or 120L-1 to 120L-5. Such a switch may, for example, be part of the selector switch shown in the aforesaid U.S. Patent No. 3,124,355. As will be seen by reference to that patent, the selector switch must be turned to the proper number of players bowling on a lane. This switch can also be used to connect the proper number of storage pocket switches into the circuitry.

Lock-down devices for the arms 62, 64 and 72, 74, not shown herein, may be provided to prevent the storage pocket 58 or 60 from elevating and actuating its associated switch 120 when a bowler removes his ball from its storage pocket at any time other than in preparation for bowling a frame in a game. Such a lock-down device is, of course, well within the skill of the art and can be employed for the purpose of preventing actuation of a limit switch at the improper time.

As was mentioned above, the circuit of FIGS. 9A and 9B is such that by virtue of the OR circuits 285 and 287 in FIG. 9B, once a bowler removes his ball from its storage pocket and delivers it down the alley to strike the backstop 18, all other players circuits are disabled. In this manner, no other player can connect into the circuit until the ball of the previous player on that alley is again deposited in its storage pocket at the completion of a frame. This lockout feature is effective only after the first ball in a frame strikes the backstop; and although it is unlikely, a condition might exist wherein two or more balls are out of their storage pockets after the previous bowlers ball has been deposited, but before the first ball delivered by the bowler about to bowl strikes the backstop. If this condition exists, a plurality of solenoids 106R-1 to 106R-5 could be actuated at the completion of a frame, with the result that the ball might drop into the wrong storage pocket.

To eliminate this improbable, although possible, condition, a circuit such as that shown in FIG. 10 can be added to the circuit of FIGS. 9A and 9B. With reference to FIG. 10, each of the switches 120R-1 to 120R-5 is provided with an additional contact 300 which closes when its associated ball is removed from its storage pocket.

The contacts 300 are connected to an adder circuit 304 which will produce an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the sum of the magnitudes of the ON signals produced by closure of the respective contacts 300. These individual ON signals are all of the same magnitude such that the amplitude of the output of adder 304 will, for example, effectively double when a second ball is removed from its storage pocket.

The output signal from adder 304 is applied to a Schmitt trigger circuit 306 which, like the flip-flops, is a type of multivibrator. In this case, however, the Schmitt trigger circuit will produce an output ON signal when, and only when, the amplitude of an input ON signal exceeds a predetermined amplitude. This predetermined amplitude is adjusted such that circuit 306 will fire to produce an output ON signal when two or more balls are removed from their storage pockets, but not when only one ball in removed. That is, when only the one ball is removed, the amplitude of the signal from adder 304 will be insutficient to trigger the Schmitt trigger 306.

It can, of course, happen that two bowlers from the same team are bowling on different alleys (i.e., simultaneous bowling), meaning that two balls are removed from the storage pockets for one team to trigger circuit 306. This condition, however, is permissible since the solenoids for the two players will be controlled by different sets of limit switches.

Accordingly, some means must be provided for distinguishing between a simultaneous bowling condition and one where two bowlers, each scheduled to bowl on the same lane, have removed their balls from their storage pockets. Such means includes AND circuits 3% and 310, and OR circuit 312. The output of Schmitt trigger 306 is applied to both of the AND circuits 30-8 and 310. Also applied to the inputs of AND circuits 308 and 310 are the signals on leads 291 and 295, respectively. It will be remembered that these signals are OFF once the ball strikes the backstop to lock out all other players circuits until the frame is completed. Therefore, after a ball has struck the backstop, the Schmitt trigger 306 will be ineffective even though a second bowler scheduled to bowl on the same alley removes his ball. If, however, the second ball is removed before the first strikes the backstop, the signal on lead 291 or 295 will be ON to apply an ON signal to OR circuit 316.

As mentioned above, it is permissible for two balls, to be delivered on different alleys, to be removed simultaneously. This condition, however, is not sensed by the AND circuits 308 and 310. Accordingly, a third AND circuit 312 is included to which leads 234R and 236R are connected. If two bowlers are scheduled to bowl on different lanes, ON signals will be on both of the leads 234R and 236R at the outputs of OR circuits 268 and 278 in FIG. 9B. This will produce an output ON signal from circuit 312 which is inverted in inverter 315 to disable the AND circuit 314. Thus, when two bowlers are scheduled to bowl on different alleys, the Schmitt trigger 306 is again ineffective.

If, however, two bowlers are scheduled to bowl on the same alley, one of the leads 234R or 236R will have an OFF signal thereon such that AND circuit 314 is enabled, and if these two balls from the same team are removed before one strikes the backstop, an ON signal will appear at the output of AND circuit 314. This signal can be used to actuate an alarm 318 or applied through lead 320 to disable the pin-spotter for that alley until one ball is returned to its storage pocket.

Although the invention has been shown in connection with a certain specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and arrangement of parts may be made to suit requirements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim as our invention:

1. In combination with a bowling alley having a main ball return track, a separate storage pocket at the end of said track for each ball used in a game, means for directing a ball from the main return track to a selected one of said pockets, a switch device for each of said pockets which is actuated when a ball is removed from that pocket, means for determining when a frame has been completed in a bowling game and producing an electrical signal indicating frame completion, and means responsive to actuation of one of said switch devices and the existence of said electrical signal for causing said directing means to direct a ball from the main return track to the pocket associated with that one switch device only on completion of a frame 2. In combination with a bowling alley having a main ball return track terminating adjacent the approach area of the alley, a plurality of storage pockets adjacent the return track, each of said pockets being adapted to receive a bowling ball from the return track, a plurality of normally inactive devices spaced along the return track for selectively directing a bowling ball into an associated one of said pockets, a switch device for each of said pockets which is actuated when a ball is removed from that pocket, means for producing an electrical signal indicating when a frame has been completed in a bowling game, and means responsive to actuation of at least one of said switch devices and to the existence of said electrical signal for activating one of said directing devices to direct a bowling ball into a predetermined one of said storage pockets, only after completion of a frame so that, when a frame. is not completed and a second ball is to be delivered in that frame, the ball will not be directed into one of said storage pockets.

3. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys, a main hall return track for both of said alleys, a first plurality of ball storage pockets at the. forward end of said return track at one side of said track adjacent one of said alleys, a second plurality of ball storage pockets opposed to the first at the forward end of said return track at the opposite side of said track and adjacent the. other of said alleys, a switch device for each of said pockets which is actuated when a ball is removed from that pocket, and electrical circuit means including said switch devices for returning a ball along said return track and into the same storage pocket from which it was removed.

4. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys adapted for use in league play, a main hall return track for both of said alleys, a first plurality of ball storage pockets at the forward end of said return track at one side thereof for balls used by one team in league play, a second plurality of ball storage pockets at the forward end of said return track at the opposite side thereof for lballs used by the other team in league play, a switch device for each of said pockets which is actuated when a ball is removed from that pocket, means for signaling the completion of a frame by a bowler and electrical circuit means responsive to said signaling means and including said switch devices for returning a ball to the storage pocket from which it was removed after the bowler using that ball has completed a frame in a bowling game on either of said alleys.

5. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys having a pin deck at one end and an approach area at the other end, a common ball return track for both of said alleys, a first plurality of separate ball storage pockets at said approach area and adjacent the first of said alleys, a second plurality of separate ball storage pockets at said approach area and adjacent the second of said alleys, each of said first and second pluralities of storage pockets communicating with said return track, a switch device for each of said pockets which is actuated when a ball is removed from that pocket, a first switch actuated when a ball is delivered on said first alley, a second switch actuated when a ball is delivered on the second alley, athird switch actuated when a ball from the first alley is deposited in said return track adjacent the pin deck, a fourth switch actuated when a ball from the second alley is deposited in said return track adjacent the pin deck, a fifth switch actuated when a ball is received on the return track at said approach area, and electrical circuit means including the switch devices for said storage pockets and said first, second, third, fourth and fifth switches for returning a ball to the storage pocket from which it was removed.

6. In combination with a pair of adjacent bowling alleys having a pin deck at one end and an approach area at the other end and adapted for use in league play, a common ball return track for both of said alleys, a first plurality of separate storage pockets at one side of said track in said approach area for balls used by one team in league play, a second plurality of separate ball storage pockets at the opposite side of said track in said approach area for balls used by the other team in league play, each of said first and second pluralities of storage pockets communicating with said return track, a switch device for each of said pockets which is actuated when a ball is removed from that pocket, a first switch actuated when a ball is delivered on said first alley, a second switch actuated when a ball is delivered on the second alley, a third switch actuated when a ball from the alley is deposited in said return track adjacent the pin deck, a fourth switch actuated when a ball from the second alley is deposited in said return track adjacent the pin deck, a fifth switch actuated when a ball in the return track arrives at the approach area, means for directing a ball from the return track to an associated one of said pockets, and electrical circuit means including an actuated switch device for a pocket and said first, second, third, fourth and fifth switches for causing said directing means to direct a ball from the return track to that pocket associated with the actuated switch device.

7. In combination with a bowling alley having a main ball return track terminating at a storage rack which includes a pair of spaced, parallel rails on which the balls roll; the improvement of means for directing a ball from said storage rack to one of two ball storage pockets adjacent and on either side of the rack comprising oppositely disposed vertically reciprocable rail sections each forming a part of an associated one of said parallel rails, each rail section being adjacent an associated one of said storage pockets, means for normally holding said rail sections in alignment with said rails, and means for permitting a selected one of said rail sections, to move downwardly under the weight of a ball whereby a ball will roll from the rack into a storage pocket when it reaches said rail section associated with that storage pocket moves downwardly.

8. In combination with a bowling alley having a main ball return track terminating at a storage rack including a pair of spaced, parallel rails on which the balls roll; the improvement of a ball storage pocket adjacent said storage rack, said ball storage pocket comprising a generally dish-shaped member pivotally supported about an axis extending parallel to said rails and beneath the rails, spring means normally urging said dish-shaped member to rotate to an upper position, a generally vertically reciprocable rail section forming a part of one of said parallel rails adjacent said dish-shaped member, means for normally holding said rail section in alignment with said one rail, and means for permitting said rail section to move downwardly under the weight of a ball whereby a ball will roll from the track onto said dish-shaped memher when it reaches said rail section, the weight of the ball forcing the dishshaped member to rotate downwardly under the weight of the ball until it is removed from the storage pocket, whereupon the dish-shaped member will again rotate upwardly under the force of said spring means.

9. In combination, a bowling ball return track, at least one storage pocket at the end of said track for each ball used in a game, means for determining the completion of a frame by each bowler in a bowling game, a ball storage and pickup area at said end of the track to which balls returned on the track may be directed before completion of a frame, means responsive to said determining means for directing a ball returned on said track to said storage and pickup area when a frame has not been completed by a bowler using that ball, and means responsive to said determining means for depositing and storing a ball returned on said track in its associated storage pocket when a frame has been completed by the bowler using that ball.

10. A combination as defined. in claim 7 including means yieldably biasing each rail section upwardly into alignment with the associated rail, means for latching References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1942 Whittle 27347 X 4/ 1961 Agnello et a1 198205X 1/ 1962 Gruss.

20 Neville et a1 273-49 Stegman et al. 27349 Setecka 27349 Mentzer et al 27354 Martin 27343 ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner 

9. IN COMBINATION, A BOWLING BALL RETURN TRACK, AT LEAST ONE STORAGE POCKET AT THE END OF SAID TRACK FOR EACH BALL USED IN A GAME, MEANS FOR DETERMINING THE COMPLETION OF A FRAME BY EACH BOWLER IN A BOWLING GAME, A BALL STORAGE AND PICKUP AREA AT SAID END OF THE TRACK TO WHICH BALLS RETURNED ON THE TRACK MAY BE DIRECTED BEFORE COMPLETION OF A FRAME, MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SAID DETERMINING MEANS FOR DIRECTING A BALL RETURNED ON SAID TRACK TO SAID STORAGE AND PICKUP AREA WHEN A FRAME HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED BY A BOWLER USING THAT BALL, AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SAID DETERMINING MEANS FOR DEPOSITING AND STORING A BALL RETURNED ON SAID TRACK IN ITS ASSOCIATED STORAGE POCKET WHEN A FRAME HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THE BOWLER USING THAT BALL. 